Matheson takes step back

Nelson deputy mayor Paul Matheson has taken a step back from council roles. As part of the Nelson City Council’s mid-term review, Matheson has relinquished the role of chairman of the regional transport committee, and the deputy chairmanship of the works and infrastructure committee. He has stepped aside from membership of the governance committee and chief executive employment committee. Matheson has recently taken time out from council work due to an infection after hip replacement surgery, but returned to work on Monday. He said stepping back from some of his council roles was more about giving opportunities to less experienced councillors. He would ‘‘have enough to do’’ without the roles, as he was still on several committees and various groups within council. At a council meeting early this month, Nelson Mayor Rachel Reese said she and councillors had been fortunate to have the support of a three-term mayor in Matheson. ‘‘But I think it’s appropriate that at this stage of his career he can step back into a more supporting role.’’ Councillor Mike Rutledge has replaced Matheson as chairman of the regional transport committee, and is also stepping into Matheson’s role as deputy chair of the works and infrastructure committee. As part of the reshuffle, Rutledge is no longer a member of the sports and recreation committee, and his role there as deputy chair will be taken over by Councillor Bill Dahlberg. Matheson’s position as a member of the governance committee has been taken over by Stuart Walker, and Gaile Noonan has taken his position on the chief executive employment committee.